Amos Leads Neil Gaiman Tribute Album

March 22, 2006, 11:10 AM ET

Christa L. Titus, N.Y.

An album inspired by the work of prolific author Neil Gaiman will be released this summer by Philadelphia-based independent label Dancing Ferret Discs. The project, tentatively titled "Where's Neil When You Need Him?," is expected to arrive July 18, according to Dancing Ferret principal Patrick Rodgers.

Rodgers, who came up with the album's concept and is acting as music supervisor, asked artists he knew were fans of the writer to compose material based on their favorite Gaiman character or story. Some fashioned songs after his more popular work, such as the comic book series "The Sandman," while others took their inspiration from such rare pieces as his short story "The Goldfish Pool."

The most high-profile contributor to the compilation is Tori Amos, a longtime friend of Gaiman's who occasionally name-checks the writer in her lyrics. In fact, the album's working title is a line taken from her song "Space Dog." The track "Sister Named Desire," which Amos originally recorded as a B-side for a European release, has been re-recorded for the album. "She was one of the first to come on board," Rodgers says.

Among the 17 expected contributors are goth/metal band Tapping The Vein, medieval rockers Schandmaul, electronic act ThouShaltNot, the Cruxshadows and trip-hip group Lunascape.

According to Rodgers, the project is being assembled with the approval of Gaiman, who is writing the liner notes for the CD, while collaborator Dave McKean is creating its artwork. My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way is writing the introduction.

"Where's Neil When You Need Him?" will be sold at traditional retail outlets as well as comic book stores.

http://www.billboard.com/...1002234221

Which single was this a B-side on? Tori's CD-singles rock, Prince could learn a thing or 30 from her in this department...

Which single was this a B-side on?

amyhr said:

I think it was Talula. It was definitely one of the 'choirgirl' ones.

God, I hate Tori Amos.

sextonseven said:

talula was boys for pele; it was on the european single.

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[Edited 3/22/06 17:56pm]

God, I hate Tori Amos.

2freaky4church1 said:

She hates you more.

i'm assuming it must be a fan of neil gaiman. otherwise why even click on thread.

anyway, i need a tori fix like nobody's business.

I finally got around to downloading Tori's live iTunes exclusive EP and while I never cared much for the single "Sleeps With Butterflies", when reduced to its bare essence on the piano on this EP, it sounds really good! The whole EP is a neat little mini-performance.

I've been having Tori pangs myself. Gonna put on "The Beekeeper" and summon a bit of Spring. I'm having 2005 nostalgia.

Are you tired of that live box set from last year already?

sextonseven said:

Not even close. But I haven't even come close to absorbing it all either. I probably have about 500 files downloaded from her tours last year and am still trying to compile a multi-disc set where every song and every cover is represented. Sometimes I just need a break.

And that video collection DVD only came out last month. Have you properly digested all that too?

Well, if you're having Tori pangs, then it sounds like your break is over.

sextonseven said:

Nope. My good friend Moonsongs got it for me, but I'm waiting until we have some time together to watch it.

Did you pick it up yet. I'm kinda excited to watch the commentary. She gives such great interviews.

I have it, but like you I haven't found the time to properly devote to it. It's not like the box set where I can listen to it while I'm doing work.

GangstaFam said:

I have it, but like you I haven't found the time to properly devote to it. It's not like the box set where I can listen to it while I'm doing work.

same here. i have all the discs, but i've only skimmed through them. it's a lot of information, and a lot of the same songs multiple times.

i love the versions of cool on your island, though. i just wish she got really intense on it like she did solo on the Strange Little Tour..... I do believe the performances on that tour were much much better.

but still, the live albums are awesome.

sextonseven said:

Nope. My good friend Moonsongs got it for me, but I'm waiting until we have some time together to watch it.

Did you pick it up yet. I'm kinda excited to watch the commentary. She gives such great interviews.

NorthernLad said:

I ADORE her live performance of "Real Men" on late night TV from around 2001.

I didn't see that tour, but if it was anything like that performance, I bet it was uber-intense.